Covers for duvets

ABSTRACT

Covers for a duvet include a first panel and a second panel substantially similar to the first panel and overlying the first panel, the first panel and the second panel being complimentarily configured with the duvet and each having a common periphery defined by a first edge, a second edge opposite the first edge, a third edge extending between the first edge and the second edge, and a fourth edge extending between the first edge and the second edge opposite the third edge, and a detachable fastener for selectively fastening a portion of the first panel to the second panel, the detachable fastener being attached to the first panel and to the second panel along a detachable portion of the second edge, the third edge, and a detachable portion of the fourth edge, wherein the first panel is fixed to second panel along the first edge.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to copending U.S. Application, Ser. No.62/723,052, filed on Aug. 27, 2018, which is hereby incorporated byreference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to covers. In particular,covers for duvets are described.

Known covers for duvets are not entirely satisfactory for the range ofapplications in which they are employed. For example, existing coversfor duvets are difficult to use. In particular, conventional duvetcovers make it difficult for people to place duvets inside them and toremove duvets from inside them,

The difficulties present with known duvet covers deter people from usingthem in the first instance. The inconvenience of inserting and removingduvets from existing duvet covers also deters people from cleaning theduvet covers as often as they would like. In frequent cleaning of duvetcovers can create an unhygienic or unpleasant environment and can causethe duvet to wear raster or to become stained.

One main reason why conventional duvet covers are difficult to use isthat they present a relatively small opening in which to insert duvet.The relatively small opening results from the fact that existing duvetcovers open from just one side. Attempting to stuff a large, soft,bulky, and pliable duvet into a small opening in a large, soft, bulky,and pliable duvet cover si quite challenging. Conventional duvet coversare so challenging that numerous instructional videos and articles existto help people manage the difficult task of inserting a duvet into aconventional duvet cover.

Thus, there exists a need for duvet covers that improve upon and advancethe design of known duvet covers. Examples of new and useful duvetcovers relevant to the needs existing in the field are discussed below.

Disclosure addressing one or more of the identified existing needs isprovided in the detailed description below. Examples of referencesrelevant to duvet covers include U.S. Patent References: US20170318990A1; U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,867,485 B2; 9,826,848 B2; US20140331405 A1; andUS20110023235; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,228,578 B2. The complete disclosuresof the above patents and patent applications are herein incorporated byreference for all purposes.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to covers for a duvet include a firstpanel and a second panel substantially similar to the first panel andoverlying the first panel, first panel and the second panel beingcomplimentarily configured with the duvet and each having, a commonperiphery defined by a first edge, a second edge opposite the firstedge, a third edge extending between the first edge and the second edge,and a fourth edge extending between the first edge and the second edgeopposite the third edge, and a detachable fastener for selectivelyfastening a portion of the first panel to the second panel, thedetachable fastener being attached to the first panel and to the secondpanel along a detachable portion of the second edge, the third edge, anda detachable portion of the fourth edge, wherein the, first panel isfixed to second panel along the first edge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cover in an open configuration and aduvet inside the cover, the cover being open on three sides with a firstpanel folded back from a second panel to provide room for the duvet tobe inserted or removed from the cover.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the cover shown in FIG. 1 in a closedconfiguration and containing a duvet inside it, the first and overlayinghe second panel and fastened to the second panel on four sides.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the cover shown in FIG. 2 in a partially closedconfiguration where a zipper s in a position where the first panel ispartially fastened to the second panel.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the cover in an open configuration without aduvet inside it.

FIG. 5 is top view of a coupler secured to the first panel and loopedthrough a loop in the duvet to secure the duvet to the first panel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosed covers will become better understood through review of thefollowing detailed description in conjunction with the figures. Thedetailed description and figures provide merely examples of the variousinventions described herein. Those skilled in the art will understandthat the disclosed examples may be varied, modified, and altered withoutdeparting from the scope of the inventions described herein. Manyvariations are contemplated for different applications and designconsiderations; however, for the sake of brevity, each and everycontemplated variation is not individually described in the followingdetailed description.

Throughout the following detailed description, examples of variouscovers are provided. Related features in the examples may be identical,similar, or dissimilar in different examples. For the sake of brevity;related features twill not be redundantly explained in each example.Instead, the use of related feature names will cue the reader that thefeature with a related feature name may be similar to the relatedfeature in an example explained previously. Features specific to a givenexample will be described in that particular example. The reader shouldunderstand that a given feature need not be the same or similar to thespecific portrayal of a related feature in any given figure or example.

Definitions

The following definitions apply herein, unless otherwise indicated.

“Substantially” means to be more-or-less conforming to the particulardimension, range, shape, concept, or other aspect modified by the term,such that a feature or component need not conform exactly. For example,a “substantially cylindrical” object means that the object resembles acylinder, but may have one or more deviations from a true cylinder.

“Comprising,” “including,” and “having” (and conjugations thereof) areused interchangeably to mean including but not necessarily limited to,and are open-ended terms not intended to exclude additional, elements ormethod steps not expressly recited.

Terms such as “first”, “second”, and “third” are used to distinguish oridentify various members of a group, or the like, and are not intendedto denote a serial, chronological, or numerical limitation.

“Coupled” means connected, either permanently or releasably, whetherdirectly or indirectly through intervening components.

Duvet Cover

The covers shown in the figures and described herein function to cover aduvet. In particular, the covers function to selectively cover a duvetand to selectively provide access to the duvet, such as when a userdesires to clean the cover or move the duvet to a different cover. Thereader gill appreciate from the figures and description below that thecovers address shortcomings of conventional covers for duvets.

For example, the present covers are much easier to use than conventionalduvet covers. The covers described herein open in a clamshell fashion toprovide a large opening and convenient access to a duvet covered by thecover. The ease of use extends to inserting the duvet into the cover aswell. By opening up on three sides, the present cover makes it easy fora user to insert a duvet into the cover and to subsequently close thecover around the duvet.

The convenience provided by the covers disclosed in the presentapplication helps encourage people to clean the covers on theirpreferred schedule or as needed. Unlike conventional duvet covers, whichdeter people from cleaning them because of the hassle involved withremoving the duvet, the present duvet covers make removing the cover forcleaning a relatively simple endeavor. Thus, the present duvet covershelp to maintain hygienic and pleasant environments for those who preferto sleep or lounge with duvets.

With reference to FIGS. 1-4, a first example of a cover, cover 100, willnow be described in detail. Cover 100 functions to selectively cover andprovide access to a duvet 102. As can be seen in FIGS. 1-4, cover 100selectively closes to cover duvet 102 and selectively opens to provideaccess to duvet 102 or to enable duvet 102 to be easily inserted intocover 100.

In the present example, cover 100 includes a first panel 104, a secondpanel 106, a detachable fastener 118, a first coupler 128, a secondcoupler 130, a third coupler 132, and a fourth coupler 150. In otherexamples, the cover includes a different number of couplers, including asingle coupler, two couplers, three couplers, or more than fourcouplers. In some examples, the cover includes additional featuresbeyond those shown in the figures.

Panels

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, first panel 104 and second panel 106 aresubstantially similar to each other to facilitate cooperating with eachother to enclose duvet 102. By overlying first panel 104 and beingsubstantially similar to it in size and shape, second panel 106 definesone-half of a clamshell configuration with first panel 104 defining thesecond half of the clamshell configuration. When overlying each other,first panel 104 and second panel 106 define a common periphery 108.

While in the present example, first panel 104 and second panel 106 aresubstantially similar, in other examples the first panel and the secondpanel are differently configured. For example, the first panel may beconfigured as an open tray with sidewall portions while the second panelmay be configured as a lid without sidewall portions or with smallersidewalls than the first panel. In certain examples, the first panel andthe second panel are integrally connected and represent differentportions of a common material configured into two panels.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, common periphery 108 is defined by a first edge110, a second edge 112, a third edge 114, and a fourth edge 116. Theedges described here as a first edge, a second edge, etc., mayadditionally or alternatively be referred to as a first common edge, asecond common edge, etc., in the present disclosure and claims. Thefigures demonstrate that second edge 112 is opposite first edge 110.Third edge 114 extends between first edge 110 and second edge 112towards the top of FIG. 1. Opposite third edge 114, fourth edge 116extending between first edge 110 and second edge 112 towards the bottomof FIG. 1.

The reader can see in FIGS. 1-4 that first panel 104 is fixed to secondpanel 106 along first edge 110. FIGS. 1-4 further demonstrate that firstpanel 104 is fixed to second panel 106 along a fixed portion 115 ofthird edge 114 separate from a detachable portion 111 of third edge 114.Moreover, first panel 104 is fixed to second panel 106 along a fixedportion 117 of fourth edge 116 separate from a detachable portion 113 offourth edge 116. Fixed edges describe edges that are configured to stayconnected whereas a detachable portion or a detachable edge describes anedge configured to selectively separate into a spaced relationship.

The reader can see in FIGS. 1-4 that fixed portions 115 and 117 extendfrom first edge 110 towards second edge 112 on opposite sides of firstpanel 104. First edge 110 and fixed portions 115 and 117 define a fixedpocket 119 where first panel 104 and second panel 106 stay connected. Asis apparent in the figures, fixed pocket 119 represents a minor portionof the total area of cover 100. In contrast, a clamshell portion 121defined by detachable portion 111, detachable portion 113 and secondedge 112 represents a major portion of cover 100.

In the present example, first panel 104 is fixed to second panel 106along first edge 110, fixed portion 115, and fixed portion 117 by sewingfirst panel 104 to second panel 106. In other examples, the first panelis fixed to the second panel with adhesives or mechanical fasteners. Incertain examples, the first panel and the second panel are integrallyconnected and the first edge, the fixed portion of the third edge, andthe fired portion of the fourth edge are defined by folds in the commonmaterial.

In the examples shown in FIGS. 1-5, first panel 104 and second panel 106are comprised of fabric. In other examples, one or both of the panelsare comprised of a material other than fabric, such as plastic, animalskins, fur, and other materials.

Detachable Fastener

With reference to FIGS. 2-5, the reader can see that detachable fastener118 is attached to first panel 104 and to second panel 106 along secondedge 112, detachable portion 111 of third edge 114, and detachableportion 113 of fourth edge 116. Detachable fastener 118 functions toselectively fasten a portion of first panel 104 to second panel 106. Inthe present example, the portions of the panels selectively fastened bydetachable fastener are second edge 112, detachable portion 111 of thirdedge 114, and detachable portion 113 of fourth edge 116.

As shown in. FIGS. 1-4, first panel 104, second panel 106, anddetachable faster 118 cooperate to define a clamshell configuration. Theclamshell configuration enables cover 100 to selectively cover duvet 100and to selectively open to receive or provide access to duvet 100between first panel 104 and second panel 106. The clamshell isconfigured to open to receive duvet 100 between first panel 104 andsecond panel 106 when detachable fastener 118 is positioned to detachthe detachable portions of first panel 104 and second panel 106.Moreover, the clamshell is configured to close to cover duvet 100between first panel 104 and second panel 106 when detachable fastener118 is positioned to fasten the detachable portions of first panel 104and second panel 106.

In the example shown FIGS. 1-8, detachable fastener 118 is a zipper. Inparticular, with reference to FIG. 5, detachable fastener is areversible zipper with a pull tab 124 configured to move to a positionoutside the enclosure defined by cover 100 to be manipulated fromoutside cover 100 and to a position inside the enclosure to bemanipulated from inside cover 100. Expressed another way, pull tab 124may be positioned and manipulated between first panel 104 and secondpanel 106 or outside first panel 104 and second panel 106. In otherexamples, the zipper is a single direction zipper where the pull tab isnot configured to move to different sides.

A zipper is just one example of a suitable detachable fastener. In otherexamples, the detachable fastener is a hook-and-loop fastener. Incertain examples, detachable fastener is a plurality of mechanicalfasteners, such as buttons, snaps, or hooks. Adhesives, magnets, and allother currently known or later developed types of detachable fastenersmay be used.

Couplers

As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 4 and with particular clarity in FIG. 5, thereader can see that couplers 128, 130, 132, and 133 function to secureduvet 102 to first panel 104. In the present example, cover 100 includesfour couplers, a first coupler 128, a second coupler 130, a thirdcoupler 132, and a fourth coupler 133. In other examples, fewer couplersor no couplers are utilized, such as one coupler, two couplers, threecouplers, or zero couplers. More than four couplers are also provided insome examples.

Each of couplers 128, 130, 132, and 133 are attached to first panel 104in different corners of first panel 104. First coupler 128 is attachedto first panel 104 proximate where first edge 110 meets third edge 116.Second coupler 130 is attached to first panel 104 proximate where firstedge 110 meets third edge 114. Third coupler 132 is attached to firstpanel 104 proximate where third edge 114 meets second edge 112. Fourthcoupler 133 is attached to first panel 104 proximate where second edge112 meets fourth edge 116.

In the example shown in FIGS. 1-5, couplers 128, 130, 132, and 133 areelongate tension bearing members. With reference to FIG. 5, the readercan see that fourth coupler 133 includes a coupler fastener 135 attachedto elongate tension bearing member 134. Coupler fastener 135 functionsto selectively secure elongate tension bearing member 134 in a loop 138around duvet 102, such as around a duvet loop 105 shown in FIG. 5.

With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, to facilitate forming loop 138, couplerfastener 135 includes a first member 137 and a second member 139. InFIG. 5, first member 137 is obscured behind second member 139 and isengaged with second member 139 in a friction fit. As shown in FIG. 4,second member 139 is spaced from first member 137 along elongate tensionbearing member 134 and configured to engage with first member 137 via afriction fit to form loop 138 in elongate tension bearing member 134.

Different forms of couplers and coupler fasteners than shown in FIG. 5are suitable. In some examples, one or more of the couplers includes ahook-and-loop fastener, button, a hook, magnets, or adhesives as couplerfasteners. Any currently known or later developed type of coupler andcoupler fastener s able for securing a duvet to the panels may be used.

The disclosure above encompasses multiple distinct inventions withindependent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosedin a particular form, specific embodiments disclosed and illustratedabove are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerousvariations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includesall novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of thevarious elements, features, functions and or properties disclosed aboveand inherent to those skilled in the art pertaining to such inventions.Where the disclosure or subsequently filed claims recite “a” element, “afirst” element, or any such equivalent term, the disclosure or claimsshould be understood to incorporate once or more such elements, neitherrequiring nor excluding two or more such elements.

Applicant(s) reserves the right to submit claims directed tocombinations and subcombinations of the disclosed inventions that arebelieved to be novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in othercombinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/orproperties may be claimed through amendment of those claims orpresentation of new claims in the present plication or in a relatedapplication. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed tothe same invention or a different invention and whether they aredifferent, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims,are to be considered within the subject matter of the inventionsdescribed herein.

1. A cover for a duvet, comprising: a first panel and a second panelsubstantially similar to the first panel and overlying the first panel,the first panel and the second panel being complimentarily configuredwith the duvet and each having a common periphery defined by: a firstedge; a second edge opposite the first edge; a third edge extendingbetween the first edge and the second edge; and a fourth edge extendingbetween the first edge and the second edge opposite the third edge; anda detachable fastener for selectively fastening a portion of the firstpanel to the second panel, the detachable fastener being attached to thefirst panel and to the second panel along the second edge, a detachableportion of the second edge, and a detachable portion of the fourth edge;wherein the first panel is fixed to second panel along the first edge.2. The coder of claim 1, wherein the first panel is fixed to the secondpanel along the first edge by sewing the first panel to the secondpanel.
 3. The cover of claim 1, wherein the first panel is fixed to thesecond panel along a fixed portion of the third edge separate from thedetachable portion of the third edge.
 4. The cover of claim 3, whereinthe first panel is fixed to the second panel along a fixed portion ofthe fourth edge separate from the detachable portion of the fourth edge.5. The cover of claim 1, wherein the detachable fastener comprises azipper.
 6. The cover of claim 5, wherein the zipper is a reversiblezipper enabling a pull tab of the zipper to be positioned andmanipulated between the first panel and the second panel or outside thefirst panel and the second panel.
 7. The cover of claim 1, wherein thefirst panel and the second panel are comprised of fabric.
 8. The coverof claim 1, further comprising a coupler attached to the first panel forsecuring the duvet to the first panel.
 9. The cover of claim 8, whereinthe couplers attached to the first panel proximate the first edge. 10.The cover of claim 8, wherein the coupler defines a first coupler andfurther comprising a second coupler attached to the first panel.
 11. Thecover of claim 10, wherein: the first coupler s attached to the firstpanel proximate where the first edge meets the fourth edge; and thesecond coupler is attached to the first panel proximate where the firstedge meets the third edge.
 12. The cover of claim 11, furthercomprising: a third coupler attached to the first panel proximate wherethe third edge meets the second edge; and a fourth coupler attached tothe first panel proximate where the second edge meets the fourth edge.13. The cover of claim 8, wherein the coupler comprises an elongatetension bearing member.
 14. The cover of claim 13, wherein the couplerincludes a coupler fastener attached to the elongate tension bearingmember.
 15. The cover of claim 14, wherein the coupler fastener includesa first member and a second member configured to engage with the firstmember, the second member being spaced from the first member to form aloop in the elongate tension bearing member when the second memberengages the first member.
 16. The cover of claim 15, wherein the secondmember engages the first member via a friction fit.
 17. A cover for aduvet, comprising: a first panel; a second panel substantially similarto the first panel and overlying the first panel to define a firstcommon edge, a second common edge extending from the first common edge,a third common edge extending from the second common edge, and a fourthcommon edge extending from the third common edge to the first commonedge, the second panel being fixed to the first panel along the firstcommon edge; and a zipper for selectively fastening and detaching adetachable portion of the first panel and the second panel, the zipperbeing attached to the first panel and to the second panel along at leasta portion of the second common edge, the third common edge, and at leasta portion of the third common edge.
 18. The cover of claim 17, whereinthe first panel and the second panel define clamshell configured to:open to receive the duvet between the first panel and the second panelwhen the zipper is positioned to detach the detachable portion of thefirst panel and the second panel; and close to cover the duvet betweenthe first panel and the second panel when the zipper is positioned tofasten the detachable portion of the first panel and the second panel.19. The cover of claim 17, further comprising: a first coupler attachedto the first panel proximate where the first common edge meets thesecond common edge; a second coupler attached to the first panelproximate where the second common edge meets the third common edge; athird coupler attached to the first panel proximate where the thirdcommon edge meets the fourth common edge; and a fourth coupler attachedto the first panel proximate where the fourth common edge meets thefirst common edge.
 20. The coupler of claim 19, wherein the firstcoupler includes: an elongate tension bearing member; and a couplerfastener attached to the elongate tension bearing member and configuredto secure the elongate tension bearing member in a loop configurationaround a portion of the duvet.